Welcome to Moraine Lake in Alberta, Canada. It is a glacially fed lake in Banff National Park. This picture was taken in July 2013. It does not reach its crest until mid to late June. The blue in July was very pretty. But when the lake is full, it reflects a more distinctive shade of blue.

As we reflect on Earth Day, it is important for us to take care and preserve our world. Changes in all of life are a part of life. Even in our human bodies, there is constant change. Sometimes we need to accept what we can preserve and what we cannot control and stop change.

One thing I appreciate about photographs is the image is preserved especially now with digital files. We can freeze nature’s beauty at a particular point in time for almost eternity. When we see a pretty scene, it will probably only last for a brief time. But if we are fortunate to capture the picture with our camera, we can be blessed to recall the image.

We hope Moraine Lake will continue to be a beautiful place to visit. It has one of the most freshest water in the world. The lodge at the lake is self-sufficient and generates it own power. Moraine Lake is a good example for Earth Day by practicing the principles of reduce, re-use and recycle to protect it’s beauty. Let’s seek to follow this example in our own space.

We went to visit Athabasca Glacier in Jaspar National Park in July 2013. During our tour of the Canadian Rockies, we mostly enjoyed summer weather until we came to the glacier. We were prepared with warmer clothes and gloves so we could walk on the glacier.

This is the only place on Earth where there are 3 rivers which flow into 3 oceans – the Pacific, Atlantic and the Arctic. The part of the glacier we were able to walk on was to the left of this photograph. We were not allowed to walk on this section. The glacier is slowly melting, it is receding 5 meters a year. One day in another generation, this glacier could be gone.

Here the sky was gray and not too clear. So this picture is a little dark due to the lack of natural lighting, and the weather. Probably most photographers would use software to lighten and improve the picture.

This photograph is real and reflects this particular day when we visited Athabasca Glacier. It was truly an experience to see this huge glacier which has a long history of existence.

We went to visit Moraine Lake in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada in July 2013. This photograph reminds me how beautiful Lake Moraine is especially with the Canadian Rockies’ reflection.

We were fortunate it was sunny and virtually no wind on the day we visited. Therefore the water was so still which allowed the reflection to be perfect. I was fortunate for the natural lighting with the still waters so we could enjoy this perfect scene.

Moraine Lake is a glacially fed lake. The perfect blue color is due to the refraction of the light off the rock flour which is continually disposited into the lake.

It amazes me how things in Nature can fit so perfectly together to compliment each other. This photograph illustrates how the perfect sunlight, mountains, blue Moraine Lake and the still waters provide this amazing scene.

This photograph does reflect the true colors we witnessed. It is real and untouched!

I was walking along the shores of Lake Louise in Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada, and saw a couple canoeing across the lake. The red canoe really stood out while gliding on top of the glacial turquoise water in the lake. I also like the peaceful still water.

There is also a lighter color streak between the land and the water. I admired the color combination in this photograph. So I automatically shot a bunch of pictures since the colors were perfect together. I am not sure what caused the lighter color streak between the land and the water. It could be a reflection from the sunlight, but I was too busy taking the pictures to investigate where the streak came from.

Whenever I photograph a unique and interesting scene, I am anxious to keep shooting before the lighting or something in the scene changes.

My rule is always to strive to be quick to photograph a scene. Once we lose a particular moment, we can never get it back again. The best way to “get it back again” is with a picture.

I was looking at these tree tops at the side of the lake. From this photograph, we don’t know how tall these trees actually are. I first thought they were short. Then I realized their size is hidden since I don’t know how far down they extend on the slope.

Our society is obsessed with size. Too big or large versus too skinny or small. Why do some people feel they have to comment about someone’s body size or even a body part size? Yes we have opinions. But do we have to be rude to tell everyone this type of opinion. Does it really matter about how big someone’s hair is, or how bald a person is?

Size does not matter! No matter what the size these trees are, they are pretty and have a wonderful green color. Can we just appreciate people as they are? Can we also accept ourselves as we are? If there is something about ourselves we cannot change, let’s just embrace it, and be thankful!

Tony took this photograph during our trip to the Canadian Rockies. The scenery was so pretty, when we visited in the summer.

We always love blue colors. The reflection in Moraine Lake from the mountains and the blue sky is breath-taking.

Moraine Lake is a glacially fed lake in Banff National Park in outside of Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada.

This reflection shows the true beauty of this scene. It is a pretty clear reflection.

Don’t we all like to take a look at our reflections in the mirror. But do we really see ourselves as others see us? It is hard to truly know how others see us. We may not want to face the reality of how we act or who we really are.

Do you want to know how others see you? If you do, inquire with your close family or friends to find out how they see you. Then see if this matches your own self-perception. Could be scary…..

Like this:

This is a photograph on the Trans-Canada Highway in Alberta. We went on a family vacation tour to see the Canadian Rockies. It was so nice not driving to enjoy the scenery. Being from California, it was interesting there were few cars on the road.

The green scenery was relaxing and tranquil.

The overpass in the picture was built to allow wild animals to cross over and not be in danger of getting hit by vehicles.

We appreciated the thought of the Canadian government to build the overpass for the wild animals. After all, the humans invaded the animals’ habitat and space. It is the right thing to do to provide some safety for these animals.

In the same way, are we considerate about others people’s “space”? There have been several occasions when I am walking on the street, and a car cannot wait for me to cross. The car will turn the corner in front of me, and I have to watch to not get hit. Are we so much in a hurry in life, that we cannot be considerate of other people? How many times have I left a building and held the door for someone who does not reply with a “Thank you“?

Slow down, be considerate, and create own own mental sign — “People Xing“.